Nationwide broadband expected in China by 2020

China is targeting complete broadband coverage in both rural and urban areas by 2020, The State Council in China revealed in a statement on Saturday.

According to local reports, the council highlighted broadband development as of growing importance, and announced an eight year implementation plan.

The plan states that Wifi coverage is expected in major urban areas by 2013, and by 2015, over half of Chinese households will have access to fixed broadband services.

Homes in more-developed regions can expect to enjoy 1Gbps speeds by 2020, the statement added.

The strategy will reportedly be implemented in three phases: fibre-optic network and 3G mobile coverage in 2013, broadband coverage expansion in 2014 and 2015, and broadband network and technology updates from 2016-2020.